The Love Raffle

Chapter 9

“So good to meet you, man. I’m a big fan of your work.”

Levi shook hands with the director of his new film, Ethan Spike. It was Monday morning, and this first set was in a warehouse at the heart of Hollywood. It was meant to be a spaceship since his character had been lost in space at the end of the last movie. Quite a few scenes would take place here, actually.

“You know how it goes. You’re on your spaceship, starving and injured. You open your eyes, look through the glass, and see Mrs. S looking right at you,” the director stated from his seat after Levi was placed before the cameras.

Oscar was next to the crew and director to watch and support him.

Levi shut his eyes as his makeup was touched up by a makeup artist. So far it was just him up here but after they did a few takes, he would have to shoot with Fiona. She was still in hair and makeup.

“Action!”

Usually, Levi was focused while filming and would have nothing on his mind apart from his lines and the mood of the scene, but today he was finding it hard to keep his mind on the task at hand.

“Great job so far,” said a crew member a few hours later, handing him a bottle of water on his way to the snack table. Shooting those takes had brought them to eleven a.m.

“Thanks, man.” He picked up a cupcake. The director and writers were rewatching his takes. A lot of the set featured green screens. Most of this movie would utilize CGI for effects.

“Try not to have too many of those. We don’t want you to get out of shape. You’re lucky you are who you are. Otherwise lying around for months straight would have messed with your physique,” said Oscar from beside him.

Levi didn’t catch that. His mind was elsewhere.

He bit into his cupcake as he thought back to Saturday night. He had worked up the nerve to call Amber after toying with the idea that whole day. She sounded so… He found her cool. He couldn’t describe it. Just talking to her was such a contrast from his crazy life. And now that he had managed to make plans with her, he had to deliver on that.

Got to be sneaky. No one needed to know he was meeting her again. He had already seen rumors starting up that they might turn into something but that was just talk following the date. It had only been a few days.

He gulped, remembering Rachel’s plan. He hadn’t met Fiona yet, but he knew she was in on it. Yes, Amber was the girl Levi truly liked but being seen with her now would destroy Rachel’s scheme. Or cause a lot of confusion. The last thing he wanted was to be perceived as a cheater if he was somehow caught seeing both. Now that I think about it, I should have probably told Amber about this. But what would she think?

“Levi Marks in the flesh.”

Levi finally snapped out of his stupor when Fiona Bazoli herself came strutting his way. Woah.

Her hair was dyed red for this project. It curled at the ends and reached her shoulders. She wore a costume similar to his. Mrs. S was Captain Evolution’s villainous fighting partner. “Would you look at that?” she said.

Levi hadn’t recalled her having a British accent, but she did. She also looks amazing. He was kind of trying not to fanboy here. “Look at you. You look great.”

Fiona laughed and hugged him. “So good to finally meet you.” She smiled at Oscar. “Your friend?” she asked.

Oscar saluted. “Been handling this guy since he hit puberty.”

Levi lightly punched Oscar’s shoulder as he and Fiona laughed. “He just looks out for me.” He smiled. “So, how are you? How was the trip here? LA must be crazy compared to England.”

Oscar coughed in his fist at the same time Fiona tilted her head.

“England?” Fiona raised an eyebrow. “Oh, you think this accent is real? Am I that good?” She playfully hit Levi on the chest several times, cackling.

“Ow.” That hurt. “Oh wait, are you just doing an accent for the role?” Since when was Mrs. S British? He was lost.

“Oh no, no, no, no.” Fiona wagged a finger right in his face.

Levi leaned back. He glanced at Oscar, who seemed disappointed. Am I being insulting or something? Fiona didn’t seem to think so.

Fiona spun around and struck a dainty pose with her hand on her forehead and her body leaning backward. Her hair hung behind her. “This accent is in preparation for this other role I’m playing.” She smiled at him after breaking her pose. “You’ll understand once you watch.”

“Oh no, I think I get it now. Your character is British in that role so you’re—”

“Actually, my character wakes from a coma and thinks she’s British,” Fiona explained gladly. “You can ask more. We’re supposed to be seen interacting.”

Levi had never heard anything more complicated. “Right. The character thinks she’s British.”

“Exactly.” She poked his nose then picked up a cupcake of her own from the table. After peeling the covering, she took a bite. “So, I’ve already planned where we’ll meet after shooting each day this week. We really need to keep the fans alert, you know?” She giggled. “My agent just adores this idea. Having them wonder about us. That should keep everyone interested until the movie.” She hit Levi’s arm.

“Ah, I see.” Levi was starting to think that warning Amber about this would have been the right move. “What are these plans exactly? Are we going out or what?”

Oscar’s firm hand held his shoulder. “Of course, you’ve got to go out. She sent Rachel the schedule. Didn’t she send it to you , Levi?” Why was Levi off his game this morning? He had done well on set but had zoned out completely while Oscar had given an update on Fiona’s work just now. I mean I just told the guy why she’d have an accent and he still got mixed up.

“Oh, there’s a schedule?” Levi tugged his collar. “Maybe she did send it and I just missed it.” He looked at the bright-eyed Fiona. “Busy morning.” He tapped Oscar’s chest and whispered to pass him his phone.

Oscar placed it in his palm. “She must have. She’s more excited about this than anyone.” He watched the way Fiona twirled and sang in her costume. “Maybe not everyone .”

Levi opened up his text messages. There it is. Under the rundown of the schedule was another message she had sent. It was about the Amber rumors.

We’re putting out a statement that you’re not dating that Amber girl and that it was just a one-time thing. I just told your social media manager to do so. Can’t have that in the way. Happy shooting!

Levi read it over and lowered his phone. Oh crap. They must have sent that out already. He needed to tell Amber it meant nothing.

“Who are you texting?” Oscar asked while Fiona did her warm-ups. She said the alphabet forward and backward dozens of times.

“Just Rachel.” Levi walked away from him while his thumb went crazy on his keyboard. He needed to say this right so that Amber understood.

* * *

Beca Stars Talent Agency was located just down the street from Amber’s waitressing job. Its proximity may or may not have had everything to do with why she signed up in the first place.

Though the hours sucked when it came to work, Amber did enjoy working a later shift especially at the club. It meant she had the whole day to either relax or hustle. Today, she chose to hustle and part of that hustle meant meeting Beca for some exciting news.

“Oh my God,” Amber breathed while holding the script. She sat in an old seat where the stuffing of the cushion stuck out at its corners. Beca’s desk was wooden and broken in some areas and the office itself was cramped. It was just Beca who worked here but the space was so tiny that even one person could feel claustrophobic within it. She shared this room with a printer, microwave, and filing cabinets.

Beca tried to put her feet up on the table but didn’t have enough room to move her chair back. Instead, she left her feet on the ground and folded her arms. “Am I the best agent or what?”

Amber squealed. “My first big TV audition! This is amazing!” She sniffed the pages again and opened to the bookmarked section. “Wow. I can’t believe it!”

“I told you getting on that cheesy show would help.” Beca placed her elbows on her desk. “All I did was tell them you were the girl everyone was talking about with Levi Marks and they fast-tracked you right into the last audition stages.” She winked. “You’re going to be a star, baby.”

“Wait, so I won’t have to audition with hundreds of other people?” Amber tilted her head.

“Eh.” Beca picked up her coffee. She sipped. “The audition process was a bit different for this one. They just called people they thought would fit the role. It’s four other actresses you’ve probably heard of. Just make sure you stand out.” She laughed. “But then again, the character is exactly like you, so you’re perfect.”

Amber read over her highlighted lines again. It was a small role, but the show was pretty popular. All About Love. That was the name. The premise was that these college kids had started a dating website for extra cash and in each episode, a customer from the site would complain about who they were matched with. Amber would be the match for the dissatisfied customer who would inevitably realize she was perfect for them. Her character was a reality TV star and the guy she matched with was some stuck-up nerd with a stick up his butt.

“I was only on one reality TV show, though. And it was a game show,” Amber reminded her.

“Yeah, well, the episode was popular, so people see you as that.” Beca adjusted her blue-rimmed glasses before gulping down more of her coffee. She licked her lips, and some lipstick came off. Amber had grown used to her eccentric outfits. Today she wore a floral suit and clogs. “Let’s just hope you get even more roles after this one. I’ll keep calling.”

Amber sighed. “I haven’t gotten the role yet, though.” She stood. “Where’s the audition again?”

“ Just sent you the directions.” Beca tapped her phone where it lay between bound papers.

Amber’s phone dinged. “Thanks. I’m going to start trying to get into character.” She got up and the back of her chair hit the wall behind her. There wasn’t much space between the desk and her legs, so she stepped out carefully to head to the door. “Later, Beca.” She waved and walked onto the bustling sidewalk with the script to her face. Alright. The audition is at three p.m. and it’s already noon so I don’t have much time.

She placed the script under her arm and opened her phone for directions. Getting there early is important, so I can make myself familiar with the surroundings. She saw a text from Levi and her heart fluttered. Why does he make me like this? She had been freaking out at the idea of him coming over since he’d proposed it. Her cleaning process had already begun.

Amber narrowly avoided some roller-skating street performers while reading the text.

Hey Amber. My agent got my social media manager to release a statement that we’re not dating but don’t freak out. It’s because of publicity. She wants the public to think I’m with my co-star. Can’t wait for our date. It ended with a thumbs-up.

Her steps slowed until they came to a halt. The wind blew an old newspaper onto her legs. She kicked it onto the street and a lorry drove over it, honking its horn and grating her ears. “What co-star?” Last she checked, she wasn’t aware that Captain Evolution has a love interest. Was there going to be one in his new movie?

She lowered her phone and contemplated this. He’ll be dating someone in the public eye? It wasn’t like they were anything serious. Although she hated to admit it, up until Levi had proposed meeting again, all Amber had cared about was having a connection in the industry. Even now she didn’t know how she felt. They were going to have a second date but that didn’t mean they would turn into anything. Did she want them to?

Many people carved around her to avoid colliding. One guy’s rude remark about her blocking the way was what brought her back to earth. What am I doing?

She took a deep breath and kept walking, her eye on the bus stop near the restaurant. I have too much to do. I can’t let this distract me.

* * *

Elouise fluffed a cushion then set it gently against the arm of her couch. “When did he say he would be here?”

Amber always enjoyed the scent that came with striking matches. She lit the candles on her center table and stepped back to watch how they clashed against the well-lit room. “Two a.m. He has shooting to do bright and early tomorrow but this is the only time that works for both of us.” She sighed and sat at the edge of her couch.

Elouise plopped down next to her, still in uniform. Tonight had been long but she didn’t mind coming over to help. “Whoa, why do you look so gloomy? Is it because your five seconds of fame are finally over?” She pinched Amber’s nose. “You got a whole TV role out of this! I don’t think it’s over yet.” When Amber had told her and Conner about the success of her audition, they had all gone out drinking right after work. If anyone deserved a break, in Elouise’s opinion, it was Amber. Even if that break only came about because of some cliché game show. A break is a break, she thought.

Amber stared at the ceiling while Elouise moved a strand of hair away from her forehead. “No…” The text. The only other text he’d sent after that one had come in this afternoon. I guess we’ve both been busy. Not a full week had gone by and yet dozens of photos of Levi Marks and Fiona Bazoli were going viral.

“Okay, what’s going on for real?” Elouise sat forward. “Even after you told us about getting the part, something about you just seemed…not as excited as you should be. What’s on your mind? Is it because they’ve type casted you?” She shook her head. “That’s just how it is for now. Take this and run, okay, Amber?” She reached for Amber’s hands. “This is just the beginning.”

Amber’s mind drifted back to the audition room. It had been a different vibe than auditions she’d been to before The Love Raffle . She wouldn’t say that the people there were eager, but they weren’t as nonchalant as people in the past. She had gone there with the expectation that she wouldn’t get the part so when she’d received the call from Beca, she was shocked for the second time in the past month.

Amber sat forward, rubbing the palm of her hand against the bumpy texture of the cushion. Its pattern reminded her of her grandmother’s house. It was Amber’s only safe haven. Once her grandmother passed, she felt like it was taken away from her. “I know, but I…” She faced Elouise and tried not to get distracted by her striking eyes. She had gotten another nose ring recently. The girl just had that edge factor. “I didn’t want to tell you guys this, but you must have seen it, right? What’s going on with Levi?”

Elouise took Amber’s hand. “Hon, apart from the fact that you’re dating him, I don’t know much else. This week has been insane. Been getting more gigs, work has been shit, the vape is doing crazy stuff to my head, and oh my God, it’s all just a blur.” She held the side of her head and blinked. “Yeah, it’s wild out there.” She stared at her black-painted nails. “What’s up with him? Did you find out he’s another Hollywood dickhead?”

It felt hard to swallow. “You guys are always on about how I don’t keep up to date with things but look at you.”

“Sorry. Times are getting crazy for some of us. You know that. I told you about the gig I have at four a.m., right? All these bars and their odd crowds at strange hours. Swear I nearly smoked a rose at one of those venues.” Elouise tsked. “Crazy stuff.”

“How does one smoke a rose?” Amber had heard it all.

Elouise rolled her eyes in jest and placed her hands on her knees. “Tell me about Levi.” She crossed her legs. “I thought you two were too busy to keep in touch this week.”

Amber gulped. “Yeah but…” She hiccupped. “Sorry.” Her stomach was being weird. “After I got my script for the audition, he sent me a message that his team wants the public to think he’s dating his co-star, and I don’t know. I just feel…weird.” She turned toward Elouise.

Elouise frowned. “Co-star?”

“That famous actress. Fiona Bazoli? She’s an Oscar winner. Have you at least heard —”

“Crap!” Elouise’s eyes bulged. “I saw that! I saw online that there are rumors about her dating someone, but it didn’t even click in my high brain that they were referring to Levi! Shoot! They’re dating for publicity?!”

Ding-dong.

The two whipped their heads to the door then faced each other.

Amber got up to answer, fixing her hair on the way. She supposed that that would be the end of this conversation for now.

Elouise gathered her things and went to the door with Amber. “Tell me how this date goes when it’s over. Then we can talk about the Bazoli thing.”

Amber nodded as she swung the door open.

“Hi.” Levi was shoved aside by Elouise on her way out as she shot him daggers from her eyes.

“Elouise,” Amber hissed as the young woman sauntered down the hallway.

Elouise turned around, walking backward. “Sorry. Didn’t see you there, movie star.” She twirled on her heel and kept going.

Amber face-palmed when Levi raised a questioning brow at this behavior. She cursed at Elouise internally then held Levi by the arm to tug him in.

Levi closed the door behind him. He wore a cap that cast a shadow over his eyes and dark sweat clothes. “A friend of yours?” he asked while looking around. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d stayed in a place this small. The whole apartment seemed to be one room. Cozy. But he did wonder where Amber slept. There was a couch that was practically the only furniture aside from the dining table and center table in front of the TV. There was indeed another room, but it was the bathroom.

Amber could see him scrutinizing her home. “Yeah,” she said curtly, heading to the cupboards to get the snacks. “A good friend I met at work.” She took down two bags of chips and one bag of popcorn. “You can sit down.” She found it in her to joke around. “If you dare.”

Levi liked her tone. “Trust me, I’m more than happy to.” He pulled off his white hat and put it on the rack near the door.

Amber brought the snacks to the couch. She had already placed the wine and glasses on the center table. “As you can see, I’ve got my Netflix ready.” Looking at him was hard. He’d almost seemed in disguise when he’d come in. “How was your—”

“Looks great— Oh.” They’d both spoken at the same time.

Amber held her face and sighed.

Was it just him or were the vibes off? I haven’t spoken to her with my actual voice since that phone call. With shooting, appearances, and hanging with Fiona, he hadn’t had time to call again. Even though she’d been on his mind every single day. That was how he knew it was real. He’d been so excited to come here and now she seemed distant. “My day was alright. And um…” He could guess what had her a bit on edge. “If you’re worried about the publicity stunt, don’t even bother. Neither Fiona nor I am actually into each other. It’s just something we’ll do until the movie comes out. We’re not even confirming that we’re dating. It’s just something so people can get excited. Heck, some fans even see through it.” He smiled softly, hoping to cheer her up. It hurt him to see her so uncertain of herself. Granted, the reason behind that could have nothing to do with him but even if it didn’t, he wanted her to know the truth.

Amber picked up the remote from the center table. “I know. I understand. This business is tough, huh?” She smiled tightly. “Requires a lot of manipulation sometimes. To get the masses to consume.” She stared at the remote in her hand. “I guess I just…I don’t know. I’m new to this.”

Levi nodded. “If you want, I can just scrap it. Just come out and say that me and Ms. Bazoli are very good friends and that’s all. Want me to do that? Cause I would if it would mean making you happy.” He inched closer.

Amber’s face heated. Was he even hearing himself? “And ruin your stunt? No. I’m just a girl you met like what? Twice? Don’t do something crazy, Levi.” She was amused and touched he would say that. How uncool would it sound now to tell him not to do that? “This second date is the test, right?”

Levi rubbed the back of his neck. “Test to know if we really like each other?” I like you already.

“Well, clearly we do if I said yes but it’s the second date so we’re still testing the waters.” She smiled, feeling more optimistic after he proposed that stupid idea. I guess it was sweet. “If you still remember my name after tonight, we can…if you want, we can maybe…kick things into high gear.” She made car noises and pretended to pull a lever.

Levi raised his eyebrows, surprised by the sudden sound effects. He smiled. “Alright. By high gear you mean…”

Amber noticed him inching closer. Their hips touched. “The real deal, I guess.”

Levi agreed. “I’ll bring my A-game then. So you don’t forget my name.” He winked.

“Oh, please.” Amber waved a hand in dismissal. “I couldn’t if I tried. You’re on a billboard on my way to my workplace.”

Levi laughed. “Right. So even if I somehow ruined this second date, you’d be constantly reminded of me everywhere you go. That would suck, huh?”

Amber was giggling, and her tension eased. “It really would.” They shared a laugh before she kicked off her shoes and brought her feet to the couch. “I know it’s cramped, but it makes things comfy, right?”

Levi took his shoes off too. He crossed his legs the same way she did. “Yeah, I feel like I’m in you right no— Wait, wait, wait.”

She grabbed a pillow and used it to hit the side of his head, laughing. “Levi!” Amber rolled her eyes playfully.

Levi was blushing furiously, but he laughed. “Let’s just watch a movie. The sun’s going to rise in like five minutes.” He took the pillow and set it aside.

“Of course. I forgot this was a late-night rendezvous.” Amber suddenly felt the strain of her day in her body and eyes. God, I hope I don’t fall asleep. She picked up the remote, chose something, and they settled in.

By the last stretch of the film, Levi was at the edge of his seat. He kept shoving Doritos one after the other into his mouth. Oscar’s warnings were far from his mind.

Amber swirled her glass of wine in one hand as she struggled to stay up. This movie was a rom-com she would watch in her room as a kid. She hadn’t been sure it would be Levi’s taste, but the guy seemed to love it. It was adorable.

Suddenly, in the movie, the lead actress left her true love out in the rain to go to her arranged wedding. Levi crushed his empty chip bag in frustration. “No! What on earth is happening? Go back to him!” His eyes filled with tears as he watched the guy standing there soaked from head to toe. “He came all the way from Pittsburg, Emily! From Pittsburg!”

Amber snorted.

Levi looked at her. “How are you not tearing up at this? It’s the ultimate betrayal!”

Amber covered her mouth to hide her laughter.

Levi could tell she was loopy. That laugh was not tame. “One too many sips of red wine?” He was immersed in the film, but Amber needed some checking up on. So, he picked up the remote, paused the movie, and sat back with an arm over the back of the couch. If he lowered it, it would be around Amber. Or on her shoulders, rather.

Amber used the back of her hand to bar her mouth. She removed it and clapped, dipping forward.

Levi giggled. “Okay. You are drunk.”

“I’m really not.” Amber wiped her tears away and turned her body to face his, resting her shoulder against the backrest of the couch. “It’s got to be something like four in the morning, right? And you have work?”

Why had she brought up the time? “So?” Levi liked the way her black hair bordered her face right now. It was a little messy but in the best way. He could smell the wine on her breath. He’d tried to stay as close as possible all evening. “You’re thinking of me when you’re the one who’s clearly exhausted. Look at you.”

“Well, hosting a movie star took more of a toll than I thought,” Amber said.

Levi rolled his eyes at her joke. “Haha, very funny.” He brought one leg up to the couch, looking into her eyes. “Why acting?” he asked, leaning his shoulder against the backrest too.

Amber tried to blink away the sleep in her eyes. “It was always my escape,” she whispered. Those blue eyes of his were a phenomenon up close. His lips were usually full and pink but with the Doritos dust on them, they were kind of orange. Why was this so endearing to her? Levi may have been a hot shot, but he was just a guy at the end of the day, wasn’t he? “My parents would have their moments and as a kid, I’d stay in my room and watch movies on my small TV. It was my grandma’s. She left it to me after she passed. You see, when my mom would flee my dad, she would bring the two of us to my grandma’s house. To pass the time we would watch movies together and it became our thing.” Her brows furrowed. “I feel like I just trauma dumped all over you.”

Levi shook his head as she laughed. He noticed the rosy color of her face. “No, no, I asked,” he said softly. “And I’m glad you told me. Wow. That’s a sad story.”

Amber tapped him lightly on the arm. “How’d you get into acting? You’ve been Captain Evolution since you were a baby, right?”

Levi wanted to pinch her rising cheeks for her teasing. He knew she enjoyed poking fun at him. She’d said she wasn’t like this with anyone else. That brought a tingle to his chest. “My mom always wanted me to be a child star. My dad didn’t care much for it, but ever since I was a kid, she’d bring me to a million auditions, and I’d get a few roles, and blah blah blah. I went to a junior performing arts school and everything.”

“So, Wikipedia was correct.”

Levi chuckled. “Yeah.” His hand reached for her knee and stayed there, just wanting to feel her.

Amber basked in the warmth of his palm. His touch was so tender. “Were you into the whole acting thing or was it just what she wanted?” She sat straighter and tried to smooth her wild hair.

Levi sighed. “I guess I liked the whole acting thing. She always told me I was destined for greatness. What kid doesn’t want to hear that? Made me confident.”

“Must have been a lot of pressure.”

Levi gulped as some unpleasant memories surfaced. His mom throwing fits over parts he lost, and his father calling her a maniac because of it. It was funny now though as they both profited off his success over the years. “Sometimes.” He rubbed his arm. “It’s so crazy how the people who’re thrust into this business have a completely different outlook to those who genuinely care for it but don’t have the opportunity right at their back door.” He tried to catch her brown eyes. They were sleepy. He could tell.

Amber met his blue ones. “I don’t know what to call that.” She rested the side of her head on the couch again. “Think if you lived in Tennessee, you’d find some other career path? Like, I don’t know—”

“Horse riding?”

Amber narrowed her eyes as he laughed. “You’re an idiot, Levi Marks. That’s not all we do over there.”

“What does your mom do?” Levi licked his bottom lip.

Amber’s heart skipped a beat at the way he smiled at her. “She owns a flower shop.”

“What does she think of all this? You following your dreams?”

Amber thought of the blocked contact in her phone. “She thinks it’s stupid, but hey.” She smiled. “I’m getting there even though she said I wouldn’t.”

“Yeah. Your Love Raffle episode was a hit.”

“ Our episode, and I wasn’t even talking about that.” Amber sat up again and grabbed a pillow to hold in her lap. “I actually landed a role.”

Levi sat straighter too. “What role? When do you start shooting?”

“ All About Love . I start shooting on Friday, actually. As in today. I’m so excited!”

“Amber, that’s amazing!” Levi reached to hug her.

Amber melted in his embrace. His strong hands rubbed against her back and his defined muscles pressed to her small frame. He wasn’t rock solid under his clothes. That made him the perfect hugging partner.

Levi suddenly let go and held his arms up. “Oh, sorry. Too forward?”

“No, you were perfect,” Amber said with a giggle. She looked at her pillow. “I’m glad you’re happy for me. Even if my roles pale in comparison to yours.”

“What are you saying? We just established we had different upbringings.” Levi’s hand shook as he reached for hers on her knee.

Amber watched as he rested his warm palm against the back of hers. “I know, I know.”

She turned her hand over to hold his instead.

Levi’s pulse skyrocketed. There was this rush and thrill that he hadn’t felt in a while. “So, are you ready for your big appearance?”

Amber sat straighter. “I think I am. I’ve waited for this my whole life, so I have to be.”

Levi had never felt this overjoyed for someone. Except maybe Jenny.

“Hey, Levi?”

Levi noticed how soft she sounded. “What’s up?”

Amber removed her hand from his and folded her arms. She couldn’t allow this to turn into something if she wasn’t honest.

Levi tried to catch her eye. “Amber?”

Amber hung her legs off the edge of the couch and faced forward. She put her elbows on her knees and held her face.

Levi didn’t understand. “What’s going on?” Why was he getting that vibe that came in movies when someone was about to reveal they were a werewolf? But it’s usually the guy, not the girl. He was being an idiot for even considering that, wasn’t he? I really need to get out more. As in with ordinary people. “You okay there, Amber?” He reached for her shoulder.

“Levi, I have to tell you something.” Amber straightened to look at him again but paused.

“Yeah, just tell me, Amber.” He dug his fingers into the middle of his scalp to scratch his head.

Amber’s nerves ebbed. She tucked some strands of hair behind her ear. “I have to say this.” She inhaled. “At first, I was only happy about dating you because…” She was about to come off as a complete jerk. “Well…” She brushed her fingernails against the pillow in front of her. “My agent said the whole Love Raffle thing would be great to get me out there and that if I won, I needed to make sure that you liked me so I could, um…”

Levi could see where this was going. “Get your foot in the door?”

Amber could hear his disappointment. “Yeah.”

He looked at his lap while thinking back to their date. “Was that why you were so cool and fun? You’re not actually like that? Is that what’s happening now?”

She felt him separate from her, scooting away. “No! No, Levi. After the date when you called me and we talked on the phone and you wanted to meet again, things just kind of…well…they got real, and I’ve been getting sweaty palms and stomach aches and…” She was just rambling now.

Levi wasn’t sure how to take this. “You said yes to this date for more privileges?”

“No! If I wasn’t actually interested in the real you then I would have said no. It was your call that really got me. I mean, I guess I was expecting it and was happy for it because of what Beca said but then I had to push that mentality away because you’re…sweet and I-I think that after ignoring what my agent and friends were saying about getting in your good graces that I began to realize that I-I…I like you.”

Levi looked her up and down, processing what she’d said.

Amber hated the distance and silence, but she wasn’t the kind of person to allow a relationship built on dishonesty. This had to be told. “You hate me,” she whispered.

“No.” Levi shook his head and faced forward. “It was a show… Most people who get on there do it for publicity. I mean, I did too. I had no interest in dating anyone and wanted to worm my way out of it. So, I shouldn’t be surprised, but I guess it kind of makes what happened on our first date a little weird since I thoroughly enjoyed myself. Apart from when you got sick, of course.” He felt the tag on the back of his sweater peeping out and scratched the back of his neck.

Amber noticed and folded it back into his clothes. She moved her hand from his back to his shoulder, up his neck, and then to his face. With a tender touch, she pulled it towards hers. “I enjoyed it too. But my mind was crowded with that crappy stuff. Tonight, it’s not.”

Levi got lost in her eyes again. Showbiz, he thought. The fact that Amber would confess this now and risk ruining things with him meant this date was real, right? If she only thought of him as a steppingstone, she wouldn’t have revealed anything.

His silence was unnerving. “Levi,” she breathed.

Levi held the side of her face and pulled her in for a kiss.

Amber shut her eyes when his lips touched hers. They were gentle and warm. The way they fit together was natural, like two lost puzzle pieces connecting after centuries apart. She pictured a blue sky of fluffy clouds when his arm wrapped around her body and pulled her closer.

Lip-locking had been absent from Levi’s intentions for this date tonight, but something just came over him. He’d been thinking of this girl all week and they’d been having such a great time. The mood had been so perfect until she made her confession. Yeah, hearing her true motives during their first date caused unease and insecurity, but he understood. He’d been trying to let her know that, but she hadn’t bought it. His logic was sound. She wouldn’t have revealed such a thing if she intended on using him.

Red was the color that came to mind as their kiss grew more heated. He hadn’t done this in a while, but his lips and tongue moved like they’d been made to connect with Amber’s. There was hardly a word to describe it, but it was happening, and he was transfixed.

Amber lost all concept of time and space as they went on. All she knew was that this felt right, and she wanted more.

After minutes went by, Levi pulled back and searched those deep brown eyes.

Amber had shifted on to his lap, her legs straddling his waist. She panted softly and his breaths whispered against her face, their hair getting tangled in each other’s.

Levi noticed his hand on her upper thigh. “Whoa.”

Amber noticed her position only now. “Whoa indeed.”

Levi snickered and she laughed against his neck, then slid her hands down from his cheeks to his chest. His grip slightly tight against her wrists. “Is it crazy to do this sort of thing on the second date?”

Levi moved both hands to her hips. “Nah, I know people who’ve done way more after only talking to someone at the bar.”

Amber flipped her hair to get it out of her face. “Well, that doesn’t sound safe, does it?” She rolled off him and sat at his side.

Levi felt empty without her. “People do whatever they want.” He looked at her. “Hey.”

Amber fixed her top as she looked at him, some hair in her face.

Levi was mesmerized. The slightly disheveled look was working for her. “Thank you for telling me.”

Amber held her knees tightly. “You’re welcome.” She sat back with a sigh and looked at the ceiling. “You’re a good kisser, Levi Marks.”

That meant a lot coming from her. “Really?” He sat back too, staring at the old lamp overhead. It had a bit of a flicker thing going on but didn’t stay off long enough to be noticed. The ceiling had water marks on it. They were red-rimmed but brown overall.

“That’s good to know. It’s been a while since I kissed someone off the big screen. Thought I might have done it wrong.” He brought his arms to the back of his head, his tiredness catching up to him. Staying stuck here on Amber’s tiny couch forever wouldn’t be so bad. This moment was surreal.

“How?” Amber asked, her eyes closing.

“Like…maybe I’d slobber all over you.”

Amber giggled and covered her mouth. “That would have been a turn-off.”

“Really?” Levi was getting the hang of talking to her. He didn’t feel pressured at all. It was like being home. Talking to an old friend. “What could’ve saved me if I’d done that?”

Amber had been drifting into dreamland when he asked. She caught the question anyway. “I guess the vastness of your eyes. They’re like the ocean.”

“Ocean Eyes,” Levi tried to sing.

Amber smiled into slumber. “You sing too?”

Levi turned his face to hers. He had concocted something witty to respond with, but she was asleep. He opted not to wake her and thought he’d watch for a bit instead. Just five minutes. Then he’d be out of her hair.